We're so glad you're here!
The Learning Commons is home to Western Technical College's Library, Writing Center, Math Center, Peer Tutor supports, and so much more. It is your one-stop shop for academic support!
Located on the second floor of the Student Success Center, we offer private and group study spaces, an extensive library collection, access to computers and printers, plus drop-in support with writing, math, and science. We also have many digital services including online research tools, a writing submission site, online academic help.
Student success is our top priority! The Learning Commons will set you up for success!
We'd love for you to visit us on-campus or online. All our services and spaces are drop-in, no appointment or reservation needed. Just stop in during our open hours.
Western's Library provides access to a wide variety of resources and materials, including scholarly and academic articles, streaming video, ebooks, magazines, encyclopedias, books in print, and more... all for FREE, using your Western ID. We also have friendly librarians and staff available to help with your research or pick out the perfect book.
The Library provides digital access to research articles, ebooks, audiobooks and more. You'll also find an extensive physical collection of books and other items for pleasure reading and lifelong learning. Use our Library Search (below) to look for something specific or stop by the Learning Commons to browse.
LibGuides are digital information resources made by librarians and members of the Learning Commons team. They collect the best resources, search strategies, and tips to help you complete your projects and assignments.
We'd be happy to help you with your research. We offer chat with a librarian or you can submit your question for follow-up via email. We always try to get back to you within one school day.
We know that communications (reading, writing, and speech) at the college level can really be challenging. Thankfully, we have Writing Center staff to support you in all aspects of communications for all subjects and courses. We offer writing and speech support, such as:
Just stop by the Learning Commons during our open hours. One of our writing tutors would be happy to help you with any part of the writing process. No appointment necessary!
Send us your paper and we'll send you some comments about ways to improve your writing.
Can't make it to campus? No problem. We offer evening online hours via Zoom. Same service and tutors, just online.
The Math Center is part of the Learning Commons, which offers free walk-in tutoring to all Western students. We're located on the second floor of the Student Success Center, Room 203 within the Learning Commons. We have virtual and in-person support available for all Western students for any course involving mathematics.
The in-person tutoring takes place in the Math Center (located in the Learning Commons). Online tutoring is through Zoom. Students in Math, Chem, and Physics courses should have access to the Math Center in Blackboard, which you will find in your list of courses.
It's all drop-in, so no appointments are necessary and you don't need to sign up! Please come visit us whenever you're stuck on homework or tricky concepts.
No appointment necessary, but be sure to check the staff schedule on the Math Center Blackboard page (updated weekly) before your visit. *For more details, see the video above.
Find the column for your class, then time your Math Center visit for when a tutor with a checkmark is on the schedule!
The Science Center is located in the Learning Commons, which is on the second floor of the Student Success Center. Our Science Center staff offer free, walk-in tutoring services in all areas of science. We can help with Anatomy & Physiology, Biology, Chemistry, Medical Terminology, and more. Whether you are preparing for a test, coming in after a lecture to better understand a topic, examining slides under a microscope, or looking for extra study materials, we are here for you!
Drop in during our open hours. No appointment necessary.
Science Center staff are also available for virtual (Zoom) appointments during open hours. Please reach out to set something up!
The Science Center hosts a variety of study groups to help you be successful in your courses! The groups will follow your course schedule and allow you to come review your class material and homework with our instructors! Reach out to the Science Center to learn about current study groups.
While there's no substitute for attending class, completing your assignments, and asking your instructors for help when you need it, there may be times when it feels like you need more personalized support to help you succeed. If that sounds like you, think about working with a Peer Tutor.
In addition to Specialists and Tutors who help specifically with writing and with math, we also have a whole staff of peer tutors who can help you with any class or subject!
Please complete the request form and someone on our team will reach out to you by email and get you connected with the right tutor.
In addition to our Math, Science and Writing Centers, we have tutors available in the following programs/subjects:
Email us at LearningCommons@westerntc.edu to get connected with one of our tutors!
We are always looking for tutors to help out other students, so if you earned an A or A/B in the course and are interested in working as a tutor, please contact the LearningCommons@westerntc.edu.
Some of our most frequently asked questions are about technology access and support. We have Windows and Mac computers, printers, and scanners available for student use. We can also with other common tasks like submitting assignments on Blackboard, using Zoom, or claiming your textbook access codes. For anything more technical, we'll refer you to the IT Help Desk.
We love hosting events! At the Learning Commons, you'll find everything from storytime to trivia night to class-specific workshops and study sessions. Find us on Engage to stay up to date on all upcoming events.
Email: learningcommons@westerntc.edu
Phone: 608-785-9198
Email: library@westerntc.edu
Phone: 608-785-9142
Email: writingcenter@westerntc.edu
Phone: 608-785-9406
Email: mathcenter@westerntc.edu
Phone: 608-789-4797
Email: sciencecenter@westerntc.edu
